From the desk of Steve Shultz:
Dear Elijah List Family,
We must sincerely learn to follow both the Logos and the Rhema (PROPHETIC) word of God. The Logos Word (meaning the written Word of God) has several interesting passages. In the Old Testament, under the law, the wisest man of his time, Solomon, had an interesting, Rhema (prophetic) negotiation with God – though he was destined to make terrible mistakes, it seems:
1 Kings 3:7-15, "Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?"
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in My ways and obey My statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." Then Solomon awoke – and he realized it had been a dream...
Though Solomon was a prophet, he also listened to the GREAT PROPHET WHOSE NAME IS "GOD" – we see both the Logos (written history) and Rhema (Prophetic Wisdom) given to a very sinful man when you read his whole life story.
In the New Testament, Jesus stunned HIS own people by saying this interaction between God and sinful man:
Matthew 5:43-48, You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Listen dear readers of THE ELIJAH LIST – especially during this season of 911 or September 11, 2011 (10 years after the horrific attack on our shores) – we must still BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE US!
Wars and Rumors of Wars
Please hear me. Wars MUST BE FOUGHT. Jesus made this clear:
Mark 13:7-8, When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
WHY MUST YOU KNOW THIS NOW? During these times of crisis' among the nations – both in leadership, wars, and rumors of wars, financial crashes and more – I have prayed with many people that we MUST bless those nations and those leaders. I am constantly met with silence. People simply find it almost impossible to believe both the LOGOS word and the PROPHETIC RHEMA WORD OF GOD.
If they see someone acting wrongly, they want to immediately curse such a person. This is wrong and against the Word of God. Yes, each nation and each leader must choose for themselves who they will serve. And we MUST go to war, according to the Bible. I know this is confusing at best, but I am training my eyes and ears to bless those who curse us, while also simultaneously supporting our troops who must fight to keep us safe.
So I ask you. Which is true: Do we bless our enemies or do we go to war against them? The best answer I can give you is YES! This is one of those both-and deals. Bless and fight.
So the next time someone goes silent on you when you say, "We must bless our enemies and also at times fight them," you may have to show them this article.
God Laughs
The Word of God is clear that God laughs at HIS enemies but only HE knows for sure when to fight and when to bless. As for us, we personally bless; but as nations, we sometimes must FIGHT! Yes, it's confusing but this is one way the Word of God puts it – when it speaks of HIS ANOINTED, don't forget that HE lives within US so when we act in the same way He acts, we are in a "terribly controversial and contradictory place."
Read this and weep with confusion or just weep because HE is GOD and we are NOT:
Psalm 2:1-6:
Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the LORD and against His anointed, saying,
"Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles."
The One enthroned in Heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in His anger
and terrifies them in His wrath, saying,
"I have installed My king
on Zion, My holy mountain."
If you are still perplexed, join the club!
P.S. On this weekend of 9/11, let's remember to pray for our beloved and great nation and let's pray for comfort and peace for those who have lost their dear loved ones 10 years ago.
God bless our Nation.
Blessings,
Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List &
Breaking Christian News
www.elijahlist.com
